The UK could see its hottest day of the year so far, as parts of England may hit 38C during the peak of the fifth heatwave of the summer. Rare amber “extreme heat” warnings have been issued by the Met Office - also alerting of possible power cuts - for London and parts of the South East, East Midlands, East of England, West Midlands and South Yorkshire from 9am to midnight on Thursday.
It comes as the prolonged hot and dry weather continues to heighten risks of wildfires, with firefighters still battling the blaze in New Forest and a new blaze at Saddleworth erupting overnight.
Forecast and record temperatures
Met Office forecaster Alex Burkill said: “Temperatures (in areas covered by the amber warning) could reach highs of around 36, 37, possibly 38C. Now when you get these sorts of high temperatures, well that’s when we could see impacts to our infrastructure, our railway lines, our roads, they are not designed for this sort of heat. And more people are likely to be impacted by how hot it is with regards to their health.”
He added: “It could be the hottest day of the year so far if we get above 38C, and if we get above 38.5C, well it could be the hottest August day on record, but that’s actually pretty unlikely.” The highest temperature of the year was 38C recorded at Lingwood in Norfolk on June 28.
Temperatures have now provisionally exceeded 37C as Britain continues to swelter in extreme heat. The Met Office said that before 2026, the UK had only recorded temperatures of 37C or higher on six occasions. Remarkably, 2026 alone has now reached the 37C mark three times. The latest readings show Charlwood in Surrey at 37.6C, followed by Wisley at 37.2C and Kew Gardens at 37C.
Wildfires and emergency response
Firefighters are currently tackling a large fire in the open at Bishops Caundle, Dorset. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said a plume of smoke is heading towards the A3030. Residents in the area have been urged to keep their windows and doors closed while crews deal with the blaze.
Firefighters are also battling a large fire in woodland at Hawley Lakes in Blackwater, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service has said. People are being urged to avoid the area due to smoke and to allow crews to carry out firefighting operations.
Firefighters are continuing to tackle a major blaze on Saddleworth Moor after flames broke out near Holmfirth Road in Oldham overnight. Crews have been battling the fire through the night, with dramatic footage showing flames burning across the moorland as hot and dry conditions continue to fuel wildfire concerns across the UK.
Firefighters are continuing to battle the New Forest wildfire for a fifth day as temperatures in the area are forecast to reach 31C. The blaze has affected an area equivalent to around 230 football pitches, although the fire service says its perimeter is under control. Crews are expected to remain at the scene into the weekend as hot and dry conditions continue.
Transport disruption and public advice
Most CrossCountry services between Cardiff and Birmingham will not run today because of the forecast high temperatures. The operator has put ticket acceptance arrangements in place, allowing passengers with affected tickets to travel via Bristol Parkway and Cheltenham Spa instead. Passengers who decide not to travel can request a refund, while those with CrossCountry-only tickets can use them on alternative days up to and including Monday, August 17.
Chiltern Railways is urging passengers to avoid travelling if possible today as extreme heat causes disruption across its network. A significantly reduced timetable is running between around 11am and 8pm, with the operator warning journeys are likely to be disrupted and trains could be uncomfortable.
Northern is running fewer trains across parts of Greater Manchester, the North West and Yorkshire today as extreme heat affects the railway. West Midlands Railway services are being disrupted today as extreme heat hits the region, with temperatures potentially reaching 38C.
The Met Office is urging people to take precautions as extreme heat brings the risk of sunburn, dehydration, nausea, fatigue and other heat-related illnesses. People are advised to drink plenty of fluids, keep out of the sun where possible, avoid exercise between 11am and 3pm, close curtains in rooms facing the sun, take water when heading out, stay in the shade and wear sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat, and check on older and vulnerable people and those living alone. Anyone worried about their health or somebody else's is advised to contact NHS 111.
